Oprah Winfrey remembers Tina Turner as ‘our everlasting goddess of rock ‘n’ roll’

Oprah Winfrey said that Tina Turner was “our everlasting goddess of rock ‘n’ roll” and commended her courage as a domestic abuse survivor after her death.

The US TV talk show host said Turner was “a role model not only to me but to the world”, as he paid tribute to the singer.

One of rock’s best-known voices – behind hits like Proud Mary and The Best – Turner died aged 83 at his home in Switzerland on Wednesday after a long illness.

In a career spanning more than 60 years, the American-Swiss singer, who was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, won eight competitive Grammy Awards and has a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. .

Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, from friends, colleagues and associates, including members of The Rolling Stones and Sir Elton John.

In a lengthy tribute posted on Instagram, Winfrey recalled how she had started out “as a fan” of Turner and a “full-on groupie” before the pair became “real” in the country. followed them from show to show”. Friend”.

Sharing several photos from their long friendship, he wrote, “She is our everlasting goddess of rock ‘n’ roll, who possessed a magnitude of inner strength.”

“She was a role model not only for me but for the world. She encouraged a part of me that I was not aware of.

Winfrey said she was “grateful” for Turner’s courage and that her freedom from domestic abuse was a “victory call”.

“I’m grateful for her courage, for showing us what victory looks like wearing Manolos and a leather miniskirt,” she said.

“She once shared with me that when the time came for her to leave this earth, she would not be afraid, but excited and curious. Because she had learned how to live among her dear husband Irwin and friends.

“I am a better woman, a better person, because his life touched me. She really was the best.

Turner’s vast track catalog from his six-decade career includes the Bond theme track for 1995’s GoldenEye, a tune of the same name co-written by Bono and The Edge of U2 fame, as well as We Don’t Need Another Hero. (Thunderdome) is also included. What’s Love Got To Do With It and Private Dancer.

In 2008 she dueted with Beyoncé at the Grammys for her rendition of Proud Mary, with both powerful singers wearing stunning outfits that mirrored each other’s choreography.

Beyoncé shared a photo of the performance on her website, writing, “My dear queen. I love you so much.”

“I am so grateful for your inspiration, and the path you have paved. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of vigor and strength.

“We are all so lucky to have seen your kindness and beautiful spirit that will last forever. Thank you for all you have done.”

Other notable duets in Turner’s career included performing with David Bowie and sharing the stage with Sir Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones during Live Aid in 1985.

Sir Mick wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was indeed a very talented artist and singer.

“She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me a lot when I was younger and I will never forget her.

Rolling Stones guitarist Wood said the singers were “dear friends of our family”.

Gloria Gaynor, Jennifer Hudson, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Rick Astley and Paloma Faith were among other stars who paid tribute to Turner on Wednesday.

Her life and relationships, including the abuse she suffered at the hands of ex-husband Ike Turner – detailed in her 1986 autobiography, I, Tina – were the subject of several adaptations on both stage and screen.

The book was turned into the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do With It, which dramatized the mother of two’s relationship with Ike, and won actress Angela Bassett an Oscar for her performance as Tina in the biopic. Was also nominated for was seen.

In a statement shared with US outlets, Bassett said that Turner has given the world “more than we could have ever asked for”.

“I am honored to have known Tina Turner. I am humbled to have helped show her to the world,” she said.

Bassett will induct Turner into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time in 2021 as a solo artist – having previously been inducted as a duo with her ex-husband in 1991.

The pair were married from 1962 to 1978. Ike died in December 2007.

A Turner spokeswoman was quoted at the time as saying: “Tina knows Ike passed away earlier today. Haven’t had contact with him in 35 years. Will have no further comment.”

In 2013 the singer married her longtime German boyfriend, music executive Erwin Bach, in a Swiss civil ceremony and has lived with him in Switzerland since 1994.

I’m honored to have known Tina Turner. I’m humbled to help show him to the world. So today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, he has given us more than we could have ever asked for.

Angela Bassett

He had suffered from poor health in recent years, having been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, then had a kidney transplant in 2017. kidney.

Last year, Turner said following the death of his son Ronnie at the age of 62 that he “left the world too early”.

Their other biological son, Craig Raymond Turner, died in 2018 at the age of 59.

That same year a musical based on her life, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, opened in London’s West End, later opening on Broadway.

The company said it would sell the rights to her back catalog in 2021 after Turner reached an agreement with BMG for an undisclosed amount, including her recordings, her music publishing author’s share and signing over her name, image and likeness. Given.

BMG chief executive Hartwig Masuch also paid tribute to Turner following her death, saying: “There will only be one Tina Turner.”

His solo works include 10 studio albums, two live albums, two soundtracks and five compilations, which together have sold over 100 million records.

The singer’s career expanded beyond music, starring alongside Mel Gibson in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, and she also appeared in 1993’s Last Action Hero.

According to her publicist, Turner died “peacefully” on Wednesday after a long illness at her home in Kusnacht, near Zurich, Switzerland, in a private funeral ceremony attended by close friends and family.

A statement posted on Turner’s official Instagram remembered her as an artist who “enthralled millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow”.

The singer’s manager of 30 years, Roger Davies, described her as “a unique and remarkable force of nature with her strength, incredible energy and immense talent”.

In an interview with The Guardian earlier this year, when asked how she would like to be remembered, Turner said: “As the Queen of Rock’n’Roll.

“As a woman who showed other women that it’s okay to strive for success on your own terms.”